Situation Practice RAD 130
A routine chest series indicates a possible mass beneath the patients right clavicle. The PA and lateral projections are inconclusive. What additional projection(s) could the tech preform to rule out this condition?
AP Lordotic
A patient with a clinical history of advanced emphysema comes into the radiology department for a chest x-ray. AEC will not be used. How should the technologist alter the manual exposure settings for this pt?
Decrease kVp moderately
A patient comes into the radiology department for a pre-surgical chest exam. The clinical history indicates a possible situs inversus of the thorax. Which positioning step or action do you take to preform a successful chest exam?
Ensure placement of the correct right or left anatomic side
A patient with a history of pleurisy comes into the radiology department. What radiographic series should be preformed?
Erect PA and Lateral
A patient with severe pleural effusion comes into the radiology department for a chest x-ray. AEC will not be used. How should the tech alter the manual exposure settings for this pt?
Increase kVp slightly
A patient has a possible small pneumothorax. Routine chest projections (PA and Lateral) fail to show the pneumothorax conclusively. Which additional projections could be taken to rule out this condition?
Inspiration and expiration PA/or lateral decubitus AP with affected side up.
PA and left lateral projections demonstrate a suspicious region in the left lung. The radiologist orders an oblique projection that will best demonstrate or "elongate" the left lung. Which specific oblique projections will best elongate the left lung?
LPO and RAO
Best projection to visualize the side closest to the IR?
Posterior oblique
A patient enters the emergency room with a possible hemothorax in the right lung caused by a motorcycle accident. The patient is unable to stand or sit erect. Which specific projection would best demonstrate this condition and why?
Right lateral decubitus projection because you want the affected side down due to the presence of fluid.
What does an anterior oblique provide the best visualization for?
The side farthest from the IR
